Polaris Outdoor

Polaris Outdoor is made up of a rare breed of people, including some of the best outdoor experts in the world. The team is extremely competent outdoors in a wide variety of disciplines, they are also excellent teachers, mentors and coaches. Many are also qualified teachers or have extensive experience in teaching and learning in other capacities. With this amazing team and the special personal development methodology, we can prepare people to gain the skills and self-confidence to go anywhere on Earth. The staff have worked with Sir David Attenborough, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, The Natural History Museum, the Bear Grylls team, Disney, Amazon, the British Royal family and many more. Our thorough approach to planning and in-depth preparation means that our time can be dedicated to meeting the needs of each participant. We aim to minimise the paperwork burden, ensuring group leaders have everything they need so they get the most time with their group and especially some time for their own development. Whether it’s an overseas expedition, survival training, group development days or bespoke adventures… Polaris Outdoor can make you and your students powerful and resilient practitioners in an ever-changing world.

Website: https://polarisoutdoor.co.uk/

*** Exclusive ISN offer! ***

- If you are thinking of setting up an expedition programme Polaris Outdoor is offering all ISN members a free consultation on how to set up outdoor activities at your school, including assistance with risk assessments, emergency plans and more!

- Get a 10% discount when an ISN members buy a 2-day training programme and a related expedition anywhere in the world

- Expeditions of over 40 students get an extra teacher for free (each expedition gets 2 teachers for free as standard)

 

To find out more click 'get an introduction below'.

Customer testimonials

Request an introduction to Polaris Outdoor!

We would be delighted to introduce you to our valued partner, Polaris Outdoor. Click on the button below and complete the form to send a message, and a member of their team will get back to you shortly!

Get an introduction

Recent articles from Polaris Outdoor

  1. New Article

    WATCH: Pushing the comfort zone with Polaris Outdoor

    In this series of videos, watch outdoor experts, Mat and Josh from Polaris Outdoor explore the incredible benefits of educational travel to remote and largely untouched landscapes.

    • Alumni Engagement,
    • Outdoor Learning,
    • Physical & Health Education,
    • School Culture & Community Engagement,
    • Sports & Co‑curricular activities,
    • Wellbeing in Schools,
    • Work Skills & Global Citizenship
    Read article 60 minute read
    Matthew Barnsley
  2. WATCH: Part 2 - What I learned from taking students to The Arctic, with Matthew Barnsley

    In this interview, Our Head of Community, Max Humpston is joined by Matthew Barnsley, Director and Founder of Polaris Outdoor, and Josh Smith, Bushcraft instructor and M.L., to discuss what they learned during their recent trip with Polaris Outdoor to The Arctic. 

    • Outdoor Learning,
    • School Culture & Community Engagement,
    • Sports & Co‑curricular activities,
    • Work Skills & Global Citizenship
    Read article
    Matthew Barnsley
  3. WATCH: How to create an impactful outdoor learning & co-curricular activities programme

    How can you create impactful outdoor learning opportunities? What can be done to make outdoor learning easier, safer, and more accessible? (Sponsored by Polaris Outdoor)

    • Continued Professional Development,
    • School Culture & Community Engagement,
    • School Leadership,
    • Sustainability in Schools,
    • Wellbeing in Schools,
    • Work Skills & Global Citizenship
    Read article
    Matthew Barnsley
  4. Part 1 - Interview with outdoor educator and survival expert, Matthew Barnsley

    In this interview, Matthew Barnsley, Director and Founder of Polaris Outdoor, shares his journey from geology student, to teacher, to outdoor learning expert

    • Continued Professional Development,
    • School Culture & Community Engagement,
    • School Leadership,
    • Sports & Co‑curricular activities,
    • Sustainability in Schools,
    • Wellbeing in Schools
    Read article
    Matthew Barnsley
  5. WATCH: Outdoor learning in an international school setting

    How can you embed outdoor learning into your curriculum? What factors should you consider when setting up a successful and sustainable outdoor learning programme?

    • School Leadership,
    • Sports & Co‑curricular activities,
    • Sustainability in Schools,
    • Work Skills & Global Citizenship
    Read article
    Matthew Barnsley
  6. How to start an outdoor learning programme at your school

    It can be hard to know where to start when creating an outdoor programme at your school. Mat Barnsley, director and founder of Polaris Outdoor, shares a few ideas and pointers to consider before you begin.

    • School Leadership,
    • Sports & Co‑curricular activities,
    • Sustainability in Schools,
    • Work Skills & Global Citizenship
    Read article 2 minute read
    Matthew Barnsley
  7. Case Study: Polaris Outdoor and International School of Cologne Germany

    In 2016 Polaris Outdoor took the International School of Cologne Germany on an Arctic Adventure. One teacher shares his experience.

    • School Culture & Community Engagement,
    • Sports & Co‑curricular activities,
    • Sustainability in Schools,
    • Wellbeing in Schools
    Read article
    Matthew Barnsley
  8. Case Study: Polaris Outdoor and Fair Ways School, England

    In 2020 Polaris Outdoor took Fair Ways School pupils and teachers on an arctic expedition to Finland.

    • Sports & Co‑curricular activities,
    • Sustainability in Schools
    Read article
    Matthew Barnsley
  9. Case Study: Polaris and Hampton Court House School

    In 2021 Polaris Outdoor took Hampton Court House School pupils and staff members on what can only be described as an expedition of a lifetime.

    • School Culture & Community Engagement,
    • Sustainability in Schools
    Read article
    Matthew Barnsley

Polaris Outdoor's recent questions

  1. Personal Development in Outdoor Education

    • Physical & Health Education,
    • Special Educational Needs,
    • Sports & Co‑curricular activities,
    • Sustainability in Schools,
    • Wellbeing in Schools,
    • Work Skills & Global Citizenship
    Asked by: Matthew Barnsley on 28/11/2022
    View full question